The secret vote went 18-14 in the Opposition leader's favour following hours of talks at the party's headquarters in central London.

(Dominic Lipinski/PA)

A party spokesman said: "The NEC has agreed that as the incumbent leader, Jeremy Corbyn will go forward onto the ballot without requiring nominations from the Parliamentary Labour Party and the European Parliamentary Labour Party.

"All other leadership candidates will require nominations from 20% of the PLP and EPLP."

Corbyn's supporters are very happy with what they're calling a win for democracy.